Thieves take ATM in smash-and-grab at gas station

ATLANTA - Atlanta police are investigating a smash-and-grab from a gas station in southwest Atlanta early Thursday morning.

Police say someone used a van to slam into the Chevron gas station on 556 Northside Drive and took the ATM.

According to investigators, a Ford Econoline Van backed into the door of the business twice and three men entered the store. The men lifted the ATM and placed the ATM into the van and took off. Another van was waiting nearby, acting as a lookout.

Witnesses said they saw one of the men with a handgun.

A short time later, police found both vans used in the smash-and-grab near Interstate 20 at Hamilton E. Holmes. The vans had no occupants and were still running. The ATM was recovered inside one of the van.

Officers said they believe they have found the vehicles used in the smash-and-grab near Interstate 20 and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.